Dr.

Turnley,
I am a Medical Graduate with a Masters in Human Anatomy. I am looking for a potential
PhD supervisor and my main interest is the study of Neuronal stem cells. I came across
your research work, hence my application for a PhD scholar.

After graduating from the medical school at Aga Khan University – the premiere medical
institute in South East Asia, I went on to teach Neuroanatomy to medical students. After
spending a year as an instructor in Anatomy, the transition to research came very natural
to me. In order to pursue my interest in basic Neuroscience research, I next chose to do
Masters in Neuroanatomy and was awarded with a scholarship for the same at the
University of Health Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan.

Working on my M. Phil, I realized that making a career in basic science research is not
going to be possible due to lack of an infrastructure and funding for research. As a matter
of fact, my research had already reached a plateau by the time I was submitting my thesis
and it was very clear in my mind to explore the opportunities abroad. Therefore, I came
to United States and started working as a volunteer in the laboratory of Dr. Sarah Pixley
at Department of Cell and Cancer Biology of University of Cincinnati, OH. Over there, I
got the opportunity to study the role of Quetiapine and its metabolite Nor Quetiapine in
neurogenesis. Employing various tissue and cell culture models, I investigated the role of
these compounds in adult hippocampal and SVZ neurogenesis in mice. During my brief
stay in Dr. Pixley's lab, I developed an experience in BrdU immunohistochemistry and
cell culture (neurospheres).

It is due to the lack of opportunities in my country for a PhD that I am now exploring the
opportunities of a research position elsewhere. Having an understanding in using
immunohistochemical and cell cultures methods to study neurogenesis in the nervous
system, I strongly believe that I can not only enhance my own understating of neuronal
stem cells but also positively contribute towards your research program. I worked on the
olfactory system during my Masters training, focusing on the role of neuromodulation of
norepinephrine on cellular morphology of the olfactory bulb.

My goal now is to carve my own niche and therefore I am looking for a research facility
which does not only provide me with good training and a comfortable environment
conducive to research but also allows me to develop and excel as an academician.

I believe that with my background and interests, I will fit very well in your research
group.

Yours Sincerely,

Dr. M Saad Khilji MBBS, MD, M Phil